Bishop Zubik to lead 85th Rosary March through Downtown Pittsburgh

Monday, May 13, 2019 - Updated: 12:34 pm

A procession with the Blessed Sacrament and statue of Our Lady of Fatima through the streets of Downtown Pittsburgh will highlight the 85th International Rosary March on May 19.

The event, under the theme of “Oh Woman Clothed With the Sun, Come and Do Not Delay,” will begin at 1:15 p.m. with praise music at Epiphany Church, 164 Washington Place in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood. Bishop David Zubik will preside at a 1:30 p.m. Mass, with the procession to follow. The rosary will be prayed throughout the procession, which will return to Epiphany where there will be Benediction, praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and crowning of Our Lady of Fatima.

For those who cannot process, the rosary will be prayed while the others are marching.

The Eucharistic Rosary March is sponsored by the Legion of Mary. With more than 4 million active members worldwide, it is the largest lay association in the church.

Linda Nevins, coordinator of marches for the local Legion of Mary delegation, pointed out that whenever there is the chance to carry Jesus and Mary through the streets of Pittsburgh, it’s a gift for the city.

“It’s a testimony to the faith of the people,” she said.

Reactions along the route vary, she noted. Some people fall to their knees, while others try to comprehend what is taking place. Some will bless themselves, while others will just stand in awe.

“It’s just a wonderful experience,” Nevins added. “It’s a faith experience of the people of God.”

She noted that the procession has a regal appearance, with a canopy over the Eucharist and incense used throughout. Pittsburgh is one of the few cities that have continued to hold rosary marches, Nevins said. Bishop Zubik gave permission to include the Eucharist a number of years ago.

First held in St. Louis, the International Eucharistic Rosary March is usually held the first Sunday in May and the first Sunday in October, but it was moved back this month because of the Pittsburgh Marathon and Mother’s Day.

“We’re really excited that we’ve been able to maintain the procession 85 times through the city,” Nevins said.